Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, the system comprising: a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices, each gateway device being positioned within a space in the multi-space environment, each gateway device having a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location; each gateway device of the vertical and horizontal array including: a housing, a wireless transceiver associated with the housing, a processor located within the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, a memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a beacon signal via the wireless transceiver from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device, the beacon signal including a personal locator device identification, measure a signal characteristic of the beacon signal, transmit a gateway signal to a server, the gateway signal including the personal locator device identification, the gateway device identification, and received signal strength measurement; and the server located in communication with the vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices, the server including: a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a plurality of gateway signals from a plurality of gateway devices of the vertical and horizontal array, process the plurality of gateway signals, determine estimated location of the proximate wireless-enabled personal location device, and activate a camera proximate the estimated location.
The system provides location awareness in multi-space environments, such as large buildings or campuses, where tracking individuals or assets is challenging due to complex layouts and signal interference. The system uses a grid of gateway devices positioned vertically and horizontally within the environment, each with a fixed, accurately-known location. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver, processor, and memory. The devices detect beacon signals from wireless-enabled personal locator devices, measuring signal characteristics like received signal strength. The gateway devices transmit this data, along with their own identification, to a central server. The server processes signals from multiple gateways to estimate the locator device's position and activates a nearby camera to provide visual confirmation. This system enables precise tracking and monitoring of individuals or assets across large, multi-space environments, improving security and operational efficiency. The use of a distributed array of gateways ensures accurate location determination even in areas with signal obstructions or interference.
2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to communicate with a standard selected from the group consisting of infrared (IR), 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, WiFi, ZigBee, near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy.
3. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the gateway device further comprises a plurality of wireless transceivers.
4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the gateway device further comprises a set-top box.
5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the gateway device further comprises a common space gateway device.
A system for managing network communications includes a gateway device that facilitates data exchange between a private network and a public network. The gateway device includes a common space gateway device, which acts as an intermediary to ensure secure and efficient data transfer. This common space gateway device is designed to handle multiple communication protocols and enforce security policies, such as encryption and authentication, to protect data integrity and confidentiality. The system may also include additional components, such as a private network interface and a public network interface, to manage connections between different network domains. The common space gateway device ensures that data transmitted between the private and public networks adheres to predefined security and operational standards, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining compliance with network regulations. This approach enhances network security, simplifies data management, and improves interoperability between diverse network environments. The system is particularly useful in scenarios where secure and controlled communication between private and public networks is required, such as in enterprise environments or cloud-based applications.
6. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the gateway device further comprises a gateway service device.
A system for managing network communications includes a gateway device that facilitates data exchange between a local network and an external network. The gateway device includes a gateway service device that processes and routes data packets between the networks. The gateway service device may perform functions such as packet filtering, address translation, encryption, and protocol conversion to ensure secure and efficient data transmission. The system may also include additional components, such as network interfaces, processing units, and memory modules, to support these operations. The gateway service device enhances network security by inspecting and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic, preventing unauthorized access, and optimizing network performance by managing bandwidth and prioritizing data flows. This system is particularly useful in environments where secure and reliable communication between different network domains is required, such as in enterprise networks, cloud computing, or IoT deployments. The gateway service device ensures that data is transmitted according to predefined policies, improving overall network efficiency and security.
7. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device further comprises a single button personal locator device.
A wireless-enabled personal locator system includes a wearable or portable device designed to track and locate individuals, particularly in emergency or safety-critical situations. The system addresses the need for a simple, reliable way to alert others to a user's location, especially when the user may be unable to use a smartphone or other complex device. The locator device is equipped with wireless communication capabilities, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, to transmit its position to a monitoring system or connected devices. The device includes a single-button interface, allowing users to activate an alert with minimal effort, ensuring ease of use in high-stress scenarios. The system may also incorporate additional features, such as motion sensors, GPS, or cellular connectivity, to enhance tracking accuracy and reliability. The locator device is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for attachment to clothing, keychains, or other personal items. The design prioritizes durability and water resistance to ensure functionality in various environments. The system may also integrate with mobile applications or cloud-based platforms to provide real-time location updates and alert notifications to designated contacts. This invention improves upon existing personal locator technologies by simplifying the user interface and ensuring robust, dependable operation in critical situations.
8. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device further comprises a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device.
9. The system as recited in claim 8 , wherein the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device further comprises a device selected from the group consisting of smart watches, smart phones, and tablet computers.
10. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server further comprises a back-office hotel server in communication with the vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices.
A system for managing hotel operations includes a server that communicates with a network of gateway devices arranged in vertical and horizontal arrays. The gateway devices are distributed throughout a hotel property to facilitate communication between various hotel systems, such as room automation, guest services, and administrative functions. The server processes data from these gateway devices to coordinate tasks like room access control, energy management, and guest requests. The back-office hotel server, integrated within the system, handles administrative functions such as reservations, billing, and staff management. This centralized approach ensures seamless integration between front-end guest interactions and back-end operational processes, improving efficiency and responsiveness in hotel management. The system optimizes resource allocation, enhances guest experiences, and streamlines administrative workflows by leveraging the distributed network of gateway devices and the centralized server infrastructure.
11. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server further comprises a cloud-based server in communication with the vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices.
A system for managing and processing data in a distributed network environment addresses challenges related to scalability, reliability, and efficient data handling across multiple devices. The system includes a server that communicates with a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices, enabling seamless data exchange and coordination between different network nodes. The server is cloud-based, providing centralized control, enhanced processing capabilities, and improved accessibility. The vertical array of gateway devices may represent hierarchical or tiered connections, while the horizontal array indicates peer-to-peer or parallel connections, ensuring robust and flexible network architecture. This configuration allows for efficient data aggregation, distribution, and real-time monitoring across diverse endpoints. The cloud-based server further supports remote management, automated updates, and dynamic resource allocation, optimizing performance and reducing operational overhead. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high availability, such as industrial automation, smart infrastructure, or large-scale IoT deployments.
12. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server further comprises the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: render a map view of the multi-space environment, the map view including a graphical representation of the multi-space environment; and annotate the graphical representation of the room with location of the proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device.
13. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server further comprises the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: render a map view of the multi-space environment, the map view including a graphical representation of the multi-space environment, annotate the graphical representation of the multi-space environment with location of the proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device; and annotate the graphical representation of the room with the alert notification.
14. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises alerts-enabled operation mode that causes the server to receive a distress signal from the proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device.
A system for monitoring and locating individuals using wireless-enabled personal locator devices addresses the need for real-time tracking and emergency response in scenarios where individuals may be at risk, such as outdoor activities, medical emergencies, or security situations. The system includes a server that communicates with the personal locator devices to track their locations and statuses. In an alerts-enabled operation mode, the server is configured to receive distress signals from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. Upon receiving such a signal, the system can trigger automated responses, such as notifying emergency contacts, dispatching assistance, or logging the event for later review. The personal locator devices may include features like GPS tracking, motion sensors, or manual activation buttons to send distress signals. The system ensures timely intervention by leveraging wireless communication to relay critical alerts, improving safety and response efficiency in monitored environments. The alerts-enabled mode enhances situational awareness by providing immediate notification of potential emergencies, allowing for rapid decision-making and action. This functionality is particularly useful in remote or high-risk areas where immediate assistance may be required.
15. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server further comprises processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to activate a plurality of cameras proximate the estimated location.
This invention relates to a surveillance or monitoring system that uses multiple cameras to track or observe a target within a defined area. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently capturing visual data of a moving or dynamically located subject by dynamically activating cameras based on estimated target positions. The system includes a server with processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to activate a plurality of cameras positioned near the estimated location of the target. This activation ensures that the cameras are ready to capture relevant visual data when the target is within their field of view. The system may also include additional features such as target tracking, camera coordination, and data processing to enhance monitoring accuracy and efficiency. The dynamic activation of cameras helps optimize resource usage, reduce unnecessary data collection, and improve the reliability of surveillance operations. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring real-time or near-real-time monitoring, such as security systems, traffic management, or industrial automation.
16. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the camera forms a portion of a device selected from the group consisting of proximate wireless-enabled personal locator devices, cellular telephones, mobile telephones, two-way radios, personal digital assistants, digital music players, Global Position System units, tablet computers, and smartwatches.
This invention relates to a system for tracking and locating individuals or objects using a camera integrated into a portable electronic device. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining the position of a person or object in real-time, particularly in environments where traditional tracking methods like GPS may be unreliable or unavailable. The camera captures images or video of the surroundings, which are processed to identify and track specific features or markers associated with the target. The system then calculates the position of the target based on the captured data, enabling precise location tracking. The camera is part of a portable device, such as a wireless-enabled personal locator, smartphone, mobile phone, two-way radio, personal digital assistant, digital music player, GPS unit, tablet computer, or smartwatch. These devices enhance portability and usability, allowing the system to be deployed in various scenarios, including emergency response, asset tracking, and personal safety applications. The integration of the camera with the portable device ensures that the tracking functionality is compact, accessible, and capable of operating in diverse environments. The system may also include additional features, such as wireless communication capabilities, to transmit tracking data to a remote monitoring station or another device for further analysis or action.
17. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the camera forms a portion of a device selected from the group consisting of gateway devices, set-top boxes, gateway service devices, and common space gateway devices.
This invention relates to a system for capturing and processing video data, particularly in a networked environment. The system includes a camera configured to capture video data and a processing module that analyzes the video data to detect and track objects or individuals within the captured frames. The system further includes a communication interface that transmits the processed data to a remote server or another device for further analysis, storage, or action. The camera is integrated into a device such as a gateway device, set-top box, gateway service device, or common space gateway device, enabling seamless integration into existing network infrastructure. The system may also include additional sensors, such as motion detectors or microphones, to enhance object detection and tracking accuracy. The processing module can apply machine learning algorithms to improve recognition over time, and the system may support real-time alerts or automated responses based on detected events. This invention addresses the need for efficient, scalable video surveillance and monitoring solutions that can be deployed in various environments, such as smart homes, offices, or public spaces, while leveraging existing networked devices to reduce hardware costs and complexity.
18. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server further comprises the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: render a map view of the multi-space environment, the map view including a graphical representation of the multi-space environment; and annotate the graphical representation of the room with location of the camera.
This invention relates to a system for visualizing and managing a multi-space environment, such as a building or facility with multiple rooms or areas. The system addresses the challenge of tracking and displaying the spatial layout of such environments, particularly in applications like surveillance, facility management, or navigation. The system includes a server with a processor and memory, where the memory stores instructions that, when executed, enable the server to generate a map view of the multi-space environment. This map view includes a graphical representation of the environment, such as a floor plan or 3D model, and annotates the graphical representation with the location of one or more cameras. The annotations indicate where cameras are positioned within the environment, allowing users to visualize camera coverage and spatial relationships. The system may also include additional features, such as real-time updates of camera positions or integration with other environmental data. The invention improves situational awareness by providing a clear, annotated visualization of the environment and camera placements, aiding in tasks like monitoring, security, or maintenance.
19. A system for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, the system comprising: an array of gateway devices, each gateway device being positioned within a space in the multi-space environment, each gateway device having a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location; each gateway device of the array including: a housing, a wireless transceiver associated with the housing, a processor located within the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, a memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a beacon signal via the wireless transceiver from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device, the beacon signal including a personal locator device identification, measure a signal characteristic of the beacon signal, transmit a gateway signal to a server, the gateway signal including the personal locator device identification, the gateway device identification, and received signal strength measurement; and the server located in communication with the vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices, the server including: a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a plurality of gateway signals from a plurality of gateway devices of the array, process the plurality of gateway signals, determine estimated location of the proximate wireless-enabled personal location device, and activate a camera proximate the estimated location.
The system provides real-time awareness in multi-space environments, such as large buildings or campuses, by tracking wireless-enabled personal locator devices (e.g., badges or wearables) using a network of fixed gateway devices. Each gateway device is positioned at a known location within a space and includes a wireless transceiver, processor, and memory. The gateway devices detect beacon signals from nearby personal locator devices, measure signal characteristics (e.g., received signal strength), and transmit this data to a central server. The server processes signals from multiple gateways to estimate the locator device's position and activates a nearby camera for visual confirmation. This system enables precise tracking of individuals or assets across multiple spaces, improving security, safety, and operational efficiency by providing both location data and visual verification. The fixed gateway locations ensure accurate positioning, while the server's processing capabilities allow for real-time decision-making, such as triggering surveillance cameras when a tracked device is detected. The system is particularly useful in environments where continuous monitoring and rapid response are critical.
20. A system for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, the system comprising: an array of gateway devices, each gateway device being positioned within a space in the multi-space environment, each gateway device having a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location; each gateway device of the vertical and horizontal array including: a housing, a wireless transceiver associated with the housing, a processor located within the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, a memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a beacon signal via the wireless transceiver from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device, the beacon signal including a personal locator device identification, measure a signal characteristic of the beacon signal, transmit a gateway signal to a server, the gateway signal including the personal locator device identification, the gateway device identification, and received signal strength measurement; and the server located in communication with the array of gateway devices, the server including: a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a plurality of gateway signals from a plurality of gateway devices of the array, process the plurality of gateway signals, determine estimated location of the proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device, activate an alert notification, activate a camera proximate the estimated location render a map view of the multi-space environment, the map view including a graphical representation of the multi-space environment, annotate the graphical representation of the multi-space environment with location of the proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device, annotate the graphical representation of the multi-space environment with the alert notification, and annotate the graphical representation of the multi-space environment with the location of the camera.
Unknown
January 26, 2021
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